Kids Camp – Summer 2026
High Desert Museum Summer Kids Camp
Our incredibly popular Summer Kids Camp returns for incoming 1st graders, 2nd graders, and 3rd-5th graders. Please note that we will no longer have options for children entering into kindergarten. We follow Bend La Pine school requirements which state: Students who are six years old on or before September 1 may enroll in first grade.
The Summer Kids Camp registration lottery opens Thursday, January 22 at 9:00 am and closes Monday, February 2 at 9:00 am.
Camp Key Information
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Flexible dropoff window 8:30 am – 9:00 am.
- Extended care offered (at an additional cost) 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
- Most camps are five-day camps, unless noted.
Registration will be through a lottery system. Caregivers will be notified by Wednesday, February 18 via email if their child(ren) have been selected for Summer Kids Camp. Once registration status is confirmed, caregivers must provide payment by Monday, March 2, or registration will be forfeited. Any unclaimed spots will go live on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 am.
PRICING
5-day camps: $350, $425 with extended care.
4-day camps: $280, $340 with extended care.
3-day camps: $210, $255 with extended care.
High Desert Museum TAX ID: 51-0179336
Members receive a 10% discount on summer kids camps! Become a member today!
Summer Camp Cancellation Policy
- Before Monday, May 25: You will receive a 75% refund.
- After Monday, May 25: If you cancel three weeks prior to the start date of your camp, you will receive a 25% refund. If you cancel less than three weeks prior to the start date of your camp, you will not receive a refund.
- If you find someone to transfer your spot to (must be the same grade level), you will receive a 100% refund after they register.
If the High Desert Museum cancels the program for any reason, you will receive a full refund. Refunds will not be given for partial or unattended days.
Kids Camp Summer Classes 2026
Note: The registration lottery opens January 22 at 9:00 am and closes February 2 at 9:00 am.
Eye Spy
Bring your curiosity and explore the forest! Through hands-on activities and observations, discover the animals living in our trees and streams. Observe, listen and explore—the more you look, the more you will see!
June 15-19
July 20-24
I Lava Volcanoes
Journey, build and erupt into adventure! Over the course of the week, explore the dramatic landforms around us—rugged mountains, fiery volcanoes, and shifting landscapes. Discover the forces that shape the Earth and leave lasting marks on the High Desert terrain.
June 22-26
July 27-31
Tiny Worlds
Look closely and see the world in a whole new way! Explore tiny bugs, flowers, and other wonders that most people never notice. Capture your discoveries through science and art as you observe the hidden details of our world and discover a perspective that makes small things look big.
June 29- July 2
August 17-19
Many Mini Mammals
Scamper, sniff and scurry into the world of the High Desert’s most fascinating furry neighbors! Explore the secret lives of squirrels, skunks and porcupines through hands-on activities, games and creative projects. Uncover the amazing adaptations of these small but mighty mammals.
July 6-10
August 3-7
High Flyers
Take flight with us this week as we journey into the skies! From birds and bats to even spiders, many animals have found incredible ways to lift off and glide. Why do they fly, and how do they do it? Uncover the amazing strategies creatures use to soar, swoop, and drift through the air.
July 13-17
August 10-14
